The world of sports dramas is a competitive arena, and Apple TV+’s latest offering, "Stick," steps onto the green with high hopes. Centering on Pryce Cahill, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Owen Wilson, the series attempts to blend humor, heart, and golf into an engaging narrative. Yet, as the first season unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that "Stick" lacks the depth and execution needed to truly connect with its audience.

Why This Show Could Have Been a Hole-in-One

The premise of "Stick" holds undeniable promise. At its core lies the compelling story of redemption and discovery through the unlikely bond between a middle-aged sporting goods store employee and a prodigious young golfer. However, beneath the surface, structural issues and underdeveloped characters prevent the show from reaching its full potential.

Characters in Need of Substance

In the world of "Stick," character development falters significantly. Owen Wilson’s Pryce Cahill is a familiar archetype—a lovable loser seeking one last chance at greatness. While Wilson's charm carries much of the early episodes, his character remains superficial, hindered by predictable dialogue and minimal emotional resonance. The dynamic between Pryce and his ex-wife, played by Judy Greer, offers glimpses of complexity but never fully materializes due to insufficient exploration.Marc Maron adds comedic relief as Mitts, yet his portrayal often descends into stereotypical complaints about modern culture, detracting from the narrative's authenticity. Meanwhile, Peter Dager’s Santi, the young golf prodigy central to the plot, struggles to captivate audiences. His character lacks the charisma and backstory necessary to anchor the series effectively, leaving viewers disconnected from his journey.

Dialogue That Falls Short

Dialogue serves as the backbone of any successful television series, and here lies another area where "Stick" stumbles. Conversations frequently feel contrived, failing to evoke genuine emotion or laughter. Instead of delving into meaningful discussions around generational divides, relationships, or personal growth, the script opts for shallow exchanges that neither challenge nor entertain the audience. For instance, Mitts' complaints about contemporary societal changes come across as tired clichés rather than insightful commentary.Furthermore, interactions involving Zero, portrayed brilliantly by Lilli Kay, illustrate missed opportunities. Despite Kay's talent, her character remains underutilized, reduced to serving as a mere conduit between Pryce and Santi. Her storyline lacks depth, focusing primarily on comedic elements without exploring the broader themes of identity, love, or gender dynamics hinted at throughout the series.

A Plot That Meanders

Plot progression in "Stick" suffers from inconsistency and predictability. The initial setup introduces intriguing possibilities—Pryce discovering Santi's extraordinary talent and embarking on a transformative journey together—but these threads remain unfulfilled. Episodes meander aimlessly, lacking tension or stakes that would otherwise propel the story forward.One glaring issue arises in how the narrative handles Pryce's tragic past. Rather than integrating this aspect seamlessly into his character arc, the show resorts to manipulative tactics, using his grief as a plot device without granting it the respect it deserves. Such handling undermines the sincerity of the story, alienating viewers who seek authentic portrayals of human experiences.

Bright Spots Amidst Shadows

Despite its shortcomings, "Stick" does offer moments of brilliance. Timothy Olyphant's late-season appearance injects fresh energy into the proceedings, providing a welcome change of pace. Additionally, Mariana Treviño shines as Elena, delivering nuanced performances even amidst inconsistent writing. A standout scene sees her explaining her investment in helium to Mitts, showcasing both wit and wisdom while highlighting the overlooked intelligence of her character.Lilli Kay also deserves recognition for her efforts, proving capable of elevating subpar material. Her performance hints at untapped potential within the show, suggesting what could be achieved with stronger direction and writing.

Potential for Future Success

Looking ahead, there remains hope for "Stick." With adjustments to its approach—enhancing character arcs, refining dialogue, and increasing narrative ambition—the series could find its footing. Trusting the talented cast to deliver more layered performances and addressing the current imbalance favoring older male perspectives over younger voices would go a long way toward improving future seasons.Ultimately, "Stick" possesses the ingredients for success but falls short in execution. By taking bolder swings and prioritizing substance over surface-level appeal, the show might yet achieve the impact it seeks. Until then, it remains a promising yet frustrating endeavor, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest challenges lie not in the swing itself but in finding the right target.